True Crime Prevention Podcast

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Jody Plauché, a survivor of childhood abuse who became an advocate for victims. Jody shares his harrowing experience of being groomed and abused by his karate instructor, Jeff Doucet, and the subsequent events that led to his father's dramatic act of revenge. The conversation delves into the psychological impact of abuse on children, the importance of parental awareness, and the need for open communication about such sensitive topics. Jody also discusses his book, 'Why Gary Why,' which aims to educate and empower others to prevent abuse.

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, Paul DelPonte and guest Lori Flowers delve into the world of romance scams, focusing on Lori's personal experience as a victim. They discuss how scammers exploit vulnerabilities, the grooming process, and the emotional manipulation involved in these schemes. Lori shares her story of being scammed through LinkedIn, highlighting the trust-building tactics used by the scammer and the eventual financial loss she faced. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness, skepticism, and seeking help after such experiences, while also providing valuable advice for preventing similar scams in the future.

What can families learn from one of the most haunting missing-persons cases in modern history? In this episode of True Crime Prevention, we’re joined by Jason Brick, safety expert and author, to discuss travel safety through the lens of the Natalee Holloway case—and the real-world lessons families can take from it today. Together, we break down how quickly everyday travel can turn dangerous, what warning signs are often missed, and how families can better prepare before a trip ever begins. Jason shares practical, no-nonsense guidance on keeping yourself and your loved ones safe—whether you’re traveling abroad, heading out with friends, or navigating unfamiliar environments. This conversation isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness, preparation, and prevention. In this episode: Key safety lessons from the Natalee Holloway case Travel safety tips everyone should know How families can talk about safety without causing fear Simple habits that can reduce risk at home and on the road 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations focused on real cases, real people, and real crime prevention solutions.

What happens when survival turns into a lifelong fight for justice—and change? In this episode of True Crime Prevention, we sit down with Keri Potts, President and Founder of A Fight Back Woman., to share her powerful story of survival, advocacy, and empowerment. In November 2008, Keri survived an assault and attempted rape while studying abroad in Rome, Italy. What followed was a grueling, two-year battle through the Italian criminal justice system—one that ultimately ended with her attacker pleading guilty. Keri is one of the few American women to successfully press sexual assault charges internationally. Since then, she has used her voice and platform to fight for survivors everywhere. An award-winning communications professional and TEDx speaker, Keri has worked with Congress, national organizations, and the RAINN Speakers Bureau to advocate for Americans sexually assaulted or abused overseas. She is also a state-certified rape crisis counselor and victims’ advocate, and a leading voice in conversations about sexual violence, healthy relationships, and female empowerment. In this conversation, we talk about: -Surviving sexual assault while traveling abroad -Navigating a foreign justice system as an American survivor -Turning trauma into advocacy and action -What “fighting back” really means—for women and families -How awareness and prevention can save lives

It’s been more than 30 years—and the question remains: who killed the four girls at the Austin yogurt shop?In this episode, True Crime Prevention sits down with the Brett and Alice of The Prosecutors Podcast to examine the chilling facts, lingering mysteries, and controversial turns in the Austin Yogurt Shop Murders.From false confessions to destroyed evidence, we explore how this case became a cautionary tale of investigative failure—and what it teaches us about protecting victims, preserving evidence, and preventing future miscarriages of justice.

When 22-year-old Gabby Petito went missing during a cross-country road trip, the nation watched — and mourned — as her story became a tragic symbol of intimate partner violence hiding in plain sight. In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the True Crime Prevention Podcast, we are joined by Gabby’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, who speaks candidly about Gabby’s life, the warning signs that were missed, and the urgent lessons every family, friend, and community needs to hear. This conversation goes beyond headlines and true crime curiosity. Niki shares how Gabby’s story has become a mission — raising awareness about domestic violence, coercive control, and early red flags, and empowering others to speak up before it’s too late. 🔹 What warning signs should never be ignored 🔹 How loved ones can intervene safely 🔹 What Gabby’s case reveals about gaps in awareness and response 🔹 How prevention, education, and conversation can save lives Gabby’s story should never have ended this way. By listening, learning, and acting, we can help prevent the next tragedy. Subscribe for more real stories, real voices, and real solutions to prevent crime before it happens.

2025 was a year that kept true crime at the center of the national conversation. In this special episode of the True Crime Prevention Podcast round up episode, we’re joined by Sheriff Aaron Hanson of Douglas County, Nebraska to break down some of the biggest and most talked-about cases of the year. From the shocking developments in the Bryan Kohberger case, to the explosive allegations and legal fallout surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, to the deeply divisive Karen Read trial, we unpack what these cases reveal about investigations, media coverage, public trust, and the criminal justice system. We also touch on the cultural and political moments that shaped the true crime landscape in 2025- including the recent tragic murder of Hollywood director Rob Reiner. More than a recap, this conversation focuses on what we can learn—how high-profile cases influence public perception, where systems succeed or fail, and what real crime prevention looks like moving forward. #TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #CrimeNews #2025TrueCrime #BryanKohberger #Diddy #KarenRead #SheriffAaronHanson #LawEnforcement #CriminalJustice #JusticeSystem #CrimePrevention #PublicSafety #TrueCrimeCommunity #PodcastRecommendations

On this episode of the True Crime Prevention Podcast, we revisit the tragic and mysterious murder of JonBenét Ramsey, the six-year-old beauty pageant star found dead in her Boulder, Colorado home in 1996. Decades later, her case still captures the public’s attention—but beyond the mystery, there are important lessons for families and communities about crime prevention and child safety. Join NCPC’s Executive Director Paul DelPonte and Tatiana Peralta as we explore: -Key facts and timeline of the JonBenét Ramsey case -How the investigation unfolded and the challenges law enforcement faced -Safety strategies parents can use to protect children at home and in public -How awareness, community engagement, and preventive measures can reduce risk This episode isn’t just about a famous unsolved crime, it’s about learning from tragedy to better protect our kids and communities! Donate to help McGruff and NCPC's Mission: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/hompagdonfor #JonBenetRamsey #TrueCrimePrevention #ChildSafety #CrimePrevention #NCPC #TrueCrimePodcast

21-year-old Ohio State student Reagan Tokes never made it home the night she left work on February 8, 2017. What happened in the hours that followed shocked Ohio, exposed catastrophic failures in the criminal justice system, and forever changed one family’s life. In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, Reagan’s mother Lisa and sister Makenzie sit down with host Paul DelPonte to share Reagan’s story in their own words: the nightmare they lived through, the fight for justice, and the advocacy work they’ve taken on to protect others in her memory. You’ll hear: • The heartbreaking timeline of Reagan’s final night • How the investigation unfolded and what new developments mean today • Why Lisa and Makenzie pushed for change through the Reagan Tokes Act • Their message to listeners about safety, awareness, and honoring Reagan’s legacy Subscribe for more real stories and real solutions from the True Crime Prevention Podcast. Learn more at NCPC.org #ReaganTokes #TrueCrime #CrimePrevention #NCPC #JusticeForReagan #TrueCrimePodcast #OhioState #VictimsVoices #ReaganTokesAct

"It can happen to anyone." When Devon Michaels took what he believed was a Percocet, he had no idea it was a fake — and laced with fentanyl. His death devastated his family and sparked a mission to protect other young people from the same danger. In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, Ava Michelle (Netflix’s "Tall Girl," & "Dance Moms") and her mother Jeanette Cota open up about losing their brother and son to a fake pill. They share how their grief turned into advocacy through the Devon Michaels Foundation, dedicated to spreading awareness about the Mental Health and Fentanyl crisis, and the dangers facing teens today. This episode dives into: • Devon’s story and the night everything changed • Why fake pills are everywhere — and why teens are especially at risk • How fentanyl is fueling a national crisis • What parents must know about social media drug sales • How we can prevent more families from suffering this loss Listen to more True Crime Prevention episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0WsQ5B66MkLSJxblzB8xD5Xlp-r8hSZb Support the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/ Support the Devon Michaels Foundation: https://devonmichaelfoundation.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone

On Thanksgiving night in 2009, what should have been a warm family celebration turned into one of the most shocking and tragic family crimes in modern American history. Paul Merhige arrived at his relatives’ home for dinner but before the night was over, he had executed a calculated plan of murder that left four family members dead, including a 6-year-old Makayla Sitton. In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte is joined by NCPC's Tatiana Peralta for a deep dive on the case and a conversation about the warning signs that went unnoticed. This isn’t just a recounting of a horrific crime—it's a discussion about what could have been done, what we can learn, and how we can protect our families and communities from similar tragedies. A haunting case. A critical conversation. And a reminder that prevention starts with awareness!Donate to the National Crime Prevention Council: https://secure.everyaction.com/3Chaf8xrokKlcpfi-1QlXA2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=1b9fa2fbebef44c3 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931 🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone #TrueCrimePodcast #TrueCrimeCommunity #TrueCrimeAddict #TrueCrimeObsessed #CrimeDocumentary #CrimeInvestigation #ColdCaseFiles #TrueCrimeEpisodes #PaulMerhige #ThanksgivingMurders #FloridaMurders #TrueCrimeCase #TrueCrimeStory #HolidayHomicide #FamilyTragedy

In 2002, the DC Sniper terrorized a city and leaving more than a dozen dead. But behind the headlines was a chilling personal story few knew: Mildred Muhammad, the ex-wife of the sniper, was the real target all along. In this gripping episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Dr. Muhammad as she reveals the chilling reality behind the headlines, the courage it takes to speak out, and her experiences living with a man who would become one of America’s most notorious killers. She shares the warning signs of escalating violence, the psychological toll of living in fear, and how she turned her trauma into advocacy for victims of domestic violence. This conversation offers an unflinching look at the human side of the DC sniper case, highlighting the importance of recognizing abuse, seeking help, and supporting survivors. Get Help: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) www.thehotline.org Donate to the National Crime Prevention Council: https://secure.everyaction.com/3Chaf8xrokKlcpfi-1QlXA2 Learn more about Mildred's work and journey: https://mildredmuhammad.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=17a322696cf64b26 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931 🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone #truecrime #domesticviolenceawareness #DCsniper #ptsd #crimeprevention #advocacy, #victimsupport

What happens when one survivor refuses to stay silent? In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Erin Merryn — a survivor turned national advocate whose story inspired Erin’s Law, landmark legislation that teaches children about safe and unsafe touches. Erin opens up about her personal experience with childhood abuse, the subtle grooming tactics predators use, and why open conversations about personal safety can save lives. Together, Paul and Erin explore how education, awareness, and community involvement can stop abuse before it starts — and how every parent, teacher, and neighbor can help protect kids. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-xjIgjK5ks&feature=youtu.be Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: www.ncpc.org Support Erin's Law: https://www.erinslaw.org/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=2d53a9bc5d4c4d7b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931 🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone #TrueCrimePrevention #ErinMerryn #ErinsLaw #ChildAbusePrevention #truecrimepodcast #truecrimepodcast #CrimePrevention #SurvivorStories #ChildSafety #endchildabuse

When entrepreneur and business owner Shay Onorio checked her bank account one Saturday morning, she never would have imagined that she would be the victim of identity theft. What followed was a nightmare of stolen identities, drained accounts, and a battle to reclaim what was hers.In this episode of True Crime Prevention, Shay shares her story of dealing with financial crime and identity theft and the devastating emotional toll it took. Host Paul DelPonte talks with Shay about how financial criminals operate, what victims go through, and what you can do to protect yourself from becoming their next target.YouTube: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO...Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...True Crime Prevention is brought to you by the National Crime Prevention Council — home of McGruff the Crime Dog®.Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-preve...Hosted by Paul DelPonte Produced by Nicholas Cirone#TrueCrimePrevention #NCPC #McGruffTheCrimeDog #TrueCrimePodcast #TrueCrimeCommunity #TrueCrimeStories #FinancialCrimes #FraudAwareness #IdentityTheft #CrimePrevention #TrueCrimeFans #CrimeStory #FinancialSafety #MoneyMatters #DigitalSecurity #OnlineFraud #ScamAwareness

A normal school day turned into horror... and one mother’s life changed forever. When Lori Alhadeff’s 14-year-old daughter, Alyssa, was killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, her tragedy became a call to action. Determined to make sure no other family endures the same pain, Lori co-founded Make Our Schools Safe and helped pass Alyssa’s Law, requiring silent panic alarms in schools to save precious seconds when every second counts.Now a Broward County School Board Member, Lori continues her fight on the front lines advocating for stronger safety policies, empowering students through prevention programs, and pushing for lasting change across the nation.🎧 In this episode of True Crime Prevention with Paul DelPonte, Lori shares how she honors her daughter's memory through action — and what it will take to prevent the next school tragedy.Interested in telling your story on the Podcast? Click here!https://secure.everyaction.com/T6gFmC0NOUGHsOVYcBWEBQ2Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v7VV5pJX8To Learn more about Make Our Schools Safe: https://makeourschoolssafe.org/Follow Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorialhadeff8/ 🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention CouncilProduced by Nicholas Cirone

Anthony Graves spent 18 years behind bars—12 of them on death row—for a crime he didn’t commit. Wrongfully convicted of a brutal 1992 murder, Graves was exonerated in 2010 after years of fighting to prove his innocence. In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Graves about how he survived nearly two decades in the Texas prison system, the failures that led to his wrongful conviction, and his mission today to reform the criminal justice system and prevent future injustices.Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-prevention-podcast/Read Anthony Graves' Book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/infinite-hope-anthony-graves/1141009826Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=3db815a05d6b4d87Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention CouncilProduced by Nicholas CironeTimestamps:00:00 Intro03:44 The Crime and Initial Accusations 11:43 Life on Death Row 23:00 The Fight for Justice 35:05 The Moment of Freedom40:00 Broader Implications of Wrongful Convictions #TrueCrimePrevention #AnthonyGraves #WrongfulConviction #CriminalJusticeReform #Exonerated #NCPC #McGruffTheCrimeDog

When Celisia Stanton fell victim to a financial scam, it changed her life forever. What started as a moment of misplaced trust quickly spiraled into a painful lesson about how easily anyone can be deceived. Now, Celisia is using her experience to educate others.In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte talks with Celisia about how the scam unfolded, what she learned from the experience, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to similar crimes.Check out Celisia's podcast, Truer Crime https://geni.us/TruerCrimeMore about Celisia:Celisia Stanton is the creator and host of Truer Crime, a podcast that tells crime stories with more nuance, more context, and more questions. She launched the show after becoming the victim of a large financial fraud scheme in 2020, and since then has built a reputation for storytelling that digs deeper into the people at the heart of each case — murdered, missing, or misled.You can find her on Instagram @celisiastanton and on Substack at sincerelycelisia.substack.com.🐾 Brought to you by the National Crime Prevention Council — home of McGruff the Crime Dog®.Produced by Nicholas Cirone Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0kW2xmXAPg

She thought she was safe in bed. Instead, she came face to face with one of America’s most infamous serial killers.In 1978, college student Kathy Kleiner Rubin survived a brutal attack inside her Florida State University sorority house at the hands of Ted Bundy. While two of her friends were murdered that night, Kathy lived to tell the story — and to share a message of strength, resilience, and hope.On this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte sits down with Kathy to revisit that terrifying night, the long road to recovery, and how she’s turned her survival into advocacy — speaking out to help others stay safe and reclaim their power.Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-prevention-podcast/Check out Kathy's Book: "A Light in the Dark: Surviving More than Ted Bundy" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122757860-a-light-in-the-darkSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=3db815a05d6b4d87Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention CouncilProduced by Nicholas CironeTimestamps:00:00 Intro02:13 Kathy Overcame Early Obstacles 06:37 Ted Bundy & the Sorority House12:05 Surviving the Unthinkable17:05 Healing and Finding Strength21:40 How Bundy Was Captured 28:40 Confronting Bundy in Court 34:40 Writing the Book

She thought it was just another showing. Instead, it was a trap.In September 2014, Arkansas real estate agent Beverly Carter walked into a home to meet a new client. Hours later, she was reported missing. Days later, her family learned the unthinkable—Beverly had been kidnapped, ransomed, and murdered in a crime that shocked the nation.On this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte sits down with Beverly’s son, Carl Carter, who relives the nightmare and reveals how his mother’s case exposed the hidden dangers of working in real estate. Carl also shares how he turned grief into action, founding the Beverly Carter Foundation to protect other agents from falling victim to violent crime.Learn more about The Beverly Carter Foundation: https://beverlycarterfoundation.org/Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-preve...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uYT... Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council.Produced by Nicholas Cirone00:00 Intro 02:13 Beverly Carter, The Very Best Mom04:25 A House Showing Goes Wrong11:30 A Haunting Discovery 19:45 The Investigation 25:58 The Suspect Start a Circus 29:30 The Trial 35:22 Starting the Beverly Carter Foundation

Alison Parker was a 24-year-old journalist and rising star at WDBJ7 in Roanoke, Virginia. In August 2015, while reporting live on air, she and her colleague Adam Ward were tragically murdered in a shooting that shocked the nation. Alison was known for her passion for storytelling, her vibrant spirit, and her dedication to shining a light on community issues.Her father, Andy Parker, turned his grief into advocacy and has become a powerful voice for victims and survivors of gun violence, working tirelessly to promote stronger safety measures and to hold tech and media companies accountable for the spread of violent content online. Through his work, Andy honors Alison’s legacy by ensuring her life is remembered not only for how it ended, but for the change it inspires.Follow Andy on Substack: https://andyparker.substack.com/🔗 Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-preve...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uYT... Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council.Produced by Nicholas Cirone00:00 Intro 02:35 Alison Parker's Bright Future06:40 The Shooting 12:47 Spreading on Social Media 22:33 What Can We Do?27:46 Common Sense Gun Reform